Valença do Minho

Valença do Minho is the major border crossing in this area, with roads as well as rail service into Spain. Valença's Old Town is enclosed by perfectly preserved walls, which face the similarly defended Spanish town of Tuy. Strolling along the river and ramparts is very pleasant, especially in the evening, when the day-trippers from Spain—who come primarily to patronize the many shops selling Portuguese-made linen—have retreated to their own side of the river.